Gas Gas Laia Sanz Stage 7 Report

Laia Sanz, 2013 Dakar, rides with an injured hand

The Gas Gas rider and KH-7 has been limited by the low speed of her bike on a very fast special.

A day before the rest day and full marathon stage, Laia Sanz has had to overcome the bruising that occurred yesterday in a fall during the special link to the sixth. The 13-time world champion took a big hit in the right hand and elbow, so that had to be examined by doctors of the organization. Today, in the seventh stage, has been riding without too much trouble, despite having his hand still swollen, but suffered another fall and has hurt a finger on her left hand, but without gravity. The Gas Gas rider and KH -7 finished in 43rd place, 17’51 “of the stage winner, the American Kurt Caselli.

In the overall, Laia drops down to 34th place. ” The stage went well, although it was not the best way for me or for the Gas Gas, because the track was very fast and there was dust, and my bike has little speed. What makes me a little angry is that today only gas and had to give me a few pilots have passed the most difficult days were behind. Now I have to swallow their dust “he says.

STAGE aside, the journey has been tough for both mechanical and participants, as they have had to cross the Andes from Chile to Argentina, reaching almost 5,000 meters altitude. At that point has known the death of a participant in the bike race. ” These accidents affect us much at all, but we can not do anything but follow. It is undeniable that there is a risk, especially in the special, but also because it links up very soon and we will very tired. In addition, you sleep at altitude. I’ve had to breathe oxygen medical equipment of the organization , “she explains. Laia is poised to surpass the 39th place finish in her two previous appearances and renew the triumph paragraph of women, in which his only opponent, the Chilean Jose Fina Gardulski, occupies the 132nd position, 14 hours away. ” We got to the middle of the race very well, but the other half and is not to be trusted at all. The Dakar is fighting against yourself, not against the other , “he says.